Louisville Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal Prison for Methamphetamine, Fentanyl, and Firearms Offenses

Louisville, KY – A Louisville man was sentenced today to 15 years in federal prison for methamphetamine and fentanyl trafficking, and illegal possession of firearms.

U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky, Special Agent in Charge R. Shawn Morrow of the ATF Louisville Field Division, and Interim Chief Paul Humphrey of the Louisville Metro Police Department made the announcement.

“Outstanding investigative work by ATF, LMPD, and KSP,” said, U.S. Attorney Bennett. “The collective focus of our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners is on the identification, apprehension, and full prosecution of those who traffic poison on our streets and illegally possess firearms. It will be 15 years before the defendant is released from federal prison and Louisville is a safer place as a result.” 

“Drug dealers with guns have a terrible impact on our communities,” said ATF Special Agent in Morrow. “A fifteen-year federal prison sentence sends a clear message to repeat offenders that the law enforcement community in Kentucky is working together to keep the commonwealth safe. I commend the excellent work of ATF Louisville, LMPD, KSP, and the United States Attorney’s Office.”

According to court documents, Charles Jermaine Gore, 40, was sentenced to 15 years in prison, followed by 6 years of supervised release, for possession with intent to distribute controlled substances, distribution of fentanyl, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Between July 20, 2021, and February 9, 2022, Gore possessed with intent to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine.  On October 22, 2021, Gore distributed fentanyl to another person.  Between July 20, 2021, and February 9, 2022, Gore possessed several firearms, including a Glock .45 caliber pistol, a Ruger 5.7X28 caliber pistol, a Zastava Arms 7.62x39 caliber pistol, and ammunition. Gore was prohibited from possessing firearms because he had previously been convicted of the following felony offenses. 

On January 12, 2011, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Gore was convicted of trafficking in a controlled substance in the first degree, first offense – cocaine (2 counts), trafficking in a controlled substance in the second degree, first offense – drug unspecified, criminal mischief in the first degree, and wanton endangerment in the first degree. 

On March 7, 2012, in Jefferson Circuit Court, Gore was convicted of possession of a handgun by a convicted felon, trafficking in a controlled substance in the first degree (cocaine), and trafficking in a controlled substance in the first degree (MCMA). 

On March 28, 2019, in Jefferson County Circuit Court, Gore was convicted of trafficking in marijuana, more than eight ounces.

There is no parole in the federal system.

This case was investigated by the ATF and LMPD with assistance from the Kentucky State Police.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Frank Dahl prosecuted the case.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

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